Sourdough Pretzels

Sourdough Pretzels are homemade pretzels made with your sourdough starter and sprinkled with your choice of sweet or savory toppings. For another delicious recipe using your starter, try my  Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls!

Sourdough Pretzels

Soft pretzels are one of my favorite snacks to order at a ballgame. Well, there are no ballgames going on right now, so of course, I am craving what I can’t have. Then, I noticed the sourdough starter I had finally mastered and had an idea to make a sourdough pretzel.

They took a little time because you have to let the dough rise for a couple of hours, but they were so worth it, especially with the many toppings you can add to the pretzels.

How to Make a Sourdough Starter

For these pretzels, you just need to make it to the day when you begin removing half the starter (around day 3). Then, you can add it to your recipe. But, make sure you have enough discard (if using that) when you make these–it takes 1 1/2 cups of the starter.

To begin, add 1/2 cup flour and 1/3-1/4 cup water to a jar and stir well. Then, gently cover the jar (do not seal it closed) and let it sit in a warm place (70°F is best) for 24 hours. The best option for a cover is a paper towel and rubber band. Or, just remember to keep the jar lid loosely sealed. Try to keep it in an area of your house that is somewhat warm. Very cool rooms tend to slow the action of a starter. Wait 24 hours before checking the mixture.

Day 2: After 24 hours, check the mixture for bubbles. If you see bubbles, add the flour and the water, mixing it well, and let it sit for the next 24 hours. If you don’t see bubbles, do not get discouraged! It sometimes takes a couple of days for the science of it all to work. Just wait another day (or even two) until the first feeding (adding flour and water).

Day 3: After another 24 hours, check for bubbles. If you do see bubbles, remove half of the starter, add the 1⁄2 cup flour and 1⁄4-1/3 cup water and stir thoroughly. Let sit 24 hours. Oh, and don’t get rid of the starter you removed! You can use this for these pretzels (if you have enough)! And, now that you have been successful in feeding